Community Corner

Relay For Life Raises Money at Aol to Fight Cancer

American Cancer Society benefits from business fundraiser.

June 11, 2011, marked a historic “first” for the American Cancer Society in the National Capital Area: It was the date of the first corporate/community Relay For Life event held at a corporate location – the Aol campus in Ashburn. More than 300 people participated in the Society’s Eastern Loudoun Relay For Life, including many students and teachers from Loudoun County public schools. Numerous families and small businesses and their employees also took part in the relay.

The Aol Relay team included senior leaders Joyce Cruikshank, vice president of paid services; Ron Tiesler, program director; and Richard Rodriguez, systems architect.  

“The Aol team was a pleasure to work with. Aol has been a strong supporter of the American Cancer Society for over the last four years, so it’s no surprise that the Relay event was a huge success,” said Karen Maricheau, the American Cancer Society Community Manager who coordinated the volunteer-led event.

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In addition to supporting Relay For Life, Aol is a corporate flagship sponsor of the Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in DC and a sponsor of the recent Inaugural Cure By Design event in D.C. Joyce Cruickshank also is a member of the Society’s Executive Corporate Council for the National Capital Area.

The highlight of Aol's June 11, relay was the spectacular luminary ceremony. As the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra played, hundreds of candles softly lighted the perimeter of the walking path surrounding the Aol campus. After a 50-minute performance, the orchestra ended with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to recognize an Aol executive celebrating a birthday.

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This year’s campaign continues through August 31, with $137,000 needed toward the $200,000 goal. Donations can be made online at www.easternloudounrelay.org or or mail to the American Cancer Society, c/o Eastern Loudoun Relay,124 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA. 22180.


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